Intracranial stenting compared to medical treatment alone for intracranial atherosclerosis patients: An updated meta-analysis

Objective@#Stroke is the second-leading cause of death globally. Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) represents 10-15% of ischemic strokes in Western countries and up to 47% in Asian countries. Patients with ICAS have an especially high risk of stroke recurrence. The aim of this meta-analysis is to reassess recurrent stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), and other outcomes with stenting versus best medical management for symptomatic ICAS. @*Methods@#The search protocol was developed a priori according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The OVID Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to August 14th, 2022. @*Results@#This Meta-analysis Included Four Randomized Controlled Trials (Rcts), With A Total Number Of 991 Patients. The Mean Age Of Participants Was 57 Years. The Total Number Of Intracranial Stenting Patients Was 495, And The Number Of Medical Treatment Patients Was 496. The Included Studies Were Published Between 2011 And 2022. Two Studies Were Conducted In The Usa, And The Other Two In China. All Included Studies Compared Intracranial Stenting To Medical Treatment For Icas. @*Conclusions@#In patients with ischemic stroke due to symptomatic severe intracranial atherosclerosis, the rate of 30-day ischemic stroke, 30-day intracerebral hemorrhage, one-year stroke in territory or mortality favored the medical treatment alone without intracranial stenting. The risk of same-territory stroke at last follow-up, disabling stroke at last follow-up, and mortality did not significantly favor either group. Intracranial stenting for atherosclerosis did not result in significant benefit over medical treatment.

In silico, anti‑inflammatory and acute toxicological evaluation of an indigenous medicinal plant Pterospermum rubiginosum using Sprague‑Dawley rats / 한국실험동물학회지

Background@#Pterospermum rubiginosum has been traditionally used by the tribal inhabitants of Southern India for treating bone fractures and as a local anti-inflammatory agent; however, experimental evidence to support this traditional usage is lacking. The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical characterization,In silico and in vitro anti-inflammatory evaluation, followed by in vivo toxicological screening of P. rubiginosum methanolic bark extract (PRME). @*Results@#The LCMS evaluation revealed the presence of 80 significant peaks; nearly 50 molecules were identified using the LCMS database. In silico analysis showed notable interactions with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). In vitro gene expression study supported the docking results with significant down-regulation of iNOS, IL-6, and IL-10. PRME was administered orally to the SD rats and was found to be non-toxic up to 1000 mg/kg body weight for 14 days. The antioxidant enzymes catalase and sodium dismutase exhibited an increased value in PRMEadministered groups, possibly due to the diverse phytochemical combinations in bark extract. @*Conclusions@#PRME administration significantly downregulated the gene expression of inflammatory markers, such as iNOS, IL-6, and IL-10. The molecular docking analysis of iNOS and IL-6 supports the in vitro study. In vivo toxicological study of PRME in SD rats was found to be non-toxic up to a concentration of 1000 mg/kg body weight for 14 days.

The Influence of Tunnel Parameters and Graft Inclination Angle on Clinical and Radiological Outcome at Long-term Follow-up after Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction / Influência dos parâmetros do túnel e do ângulo de inclinação do enxerto no desfecho clínico e radiológico no acompanhamento de longo prazo após a reconstrução artroscópica do ligamento cruzado anterior

Abstract Objective To study the influence of various tunnel parameters and graft inclination angle (GIA) on the clinical and radiological outcome after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) at long-term follow-up. Methods In this retrospective study, 80 patients with isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury treated by single bundle ACLR using bone patellar tendon bone (BPTB) and hamstring (HT) autografts were evaluated clinically and radiologically at their long-term follow-up. The study population were divided into two groups based on ideal and nonideal tunnel parameters as well as ideal and nonideal GIA. The various tunnel parameters and GIA were interpreted with clinical and radiological outcome at long-term follow-up. Results Eighty patients, 36 (45%) using BPTB and 44 (55%) using HT autografts, were available to complete the study. Patients with ideal coronal tibial tunnel angle (CTTA) and coronal femoral tunnel angle (CFTA) show superior clinical outcome (pivot shift test) than nonideal CTTA and CFTA, which was found to be statistically significant (p-value < 0.038 and 0.024, respectively). Similarly, patients with ideal coronal tibial tunnel position (CTTP) show superior clinical outcome (International Knee Documentation Committee - IKDC objective) over nonideal CTTP (p-value < 0.017). All other tunnel parameters and GIA were not found to have influence on clinical outcome. None of the tunnel parameters have influenced osteoarthritis (OA) change. There was no progression of OA change in the study population at long-term follow-up after ACLR. Conclusion Ideal coronal tunnel parameters produced a better clinical outcome at long-term follow-up after ACLR. There was no progression of OA change at long-term follow-up after isolated ACLR.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a influência de vários parâmetros do túnel e do ângulo de inclinação do enxerto (GIA, do inglês graft inclination angle) nos desfechos clínicos e radiológicos da reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior (RLCA) no acompanhamento de longo prazo. Métodos Neste estudo retrospectivo, 80 pacientes com lesão isolada do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) submetidos à RLCA de feixe único com autoenxertos de tendão patelar ósseo (TPO) e isquiotibiais (IT) foram avaliados clínica e radiologicamente durante o acompanhamento em longo prazo. A população do estudo foi dividida em dois grupos com base nos parâmetros ideais ou não ideais do túnel, bem como no GIA ideal e não ideal. Os vários parâmetros do túnel e o GIA foram interpretados com os desfechos clínicos e radiológicos no acompanhamento em longo prazo. Resultados Oitenta pacientes, sendo 36 (45%) submetidos ao procedimento com autoenxertos de TPO e 44 (55%) com autoenxertos IT, puderam completar o estudo. Pacientes com ângulo do túnel tibial coronal (ATTC) e ângulo do túnel femoral coronal (ATFC) ideais apresentam resultados clínicos superiores (teste de pivot shift) do que aqueles com ATTC e ATFC não ideais, sendo a diferença estatisticamente significativa (valor de p < 0,038 e 0,024, respectivamente). Da mesma forma, pacientes com posição do túnel tibial coronal (PTTC) ideal apresentam resultado clínico superior (International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC] objetivo) em relação àqueles com PTTC não ideal (valor de p < 0,017). Os demais parâmetros do túnel e o GIA não influenciaram o desfecho clínico. Nenhum dos parâmetros do túnel influenciou a alteração associada à osteoartrite (OA). Não houve progressão da alteração da OA na população do estudo no acompanhamento em longo prazo após a RLCA. Conclusão Os parâmetros ideais do túnel coronal produziram um melhor desfecho clínico no acompanhamento de longo prazo após a RLCA. Não houve progressão da alteração da OA no acompanhamento em longo prazo após a RLCA isolada.

Use of low dose misoprostol for induction of labour in a secondary hospital setting: a retrospective cohort study of a unique induction protocol

Background: Induction of labour is a procedure often used in pregnant women where there are clear medical indications. There are various modalities of induction of labour which differ in outcomes and complications. Our aim was to look at how effective our protocol using misoprostol was in achieving delivery within 24 hours of the start of induction, the induction delivery interval, Caesarean section rates and its indications using Robsons classification, uterine hyperstimulation with FHR changes and oxytocin augmentation and its duration.Methods: This was a retrospective study which looked at the mode of induction and outcomes of women during the period from 1st February, 2021 to 31st July,2021.Results: There were 2574 deliveries in the period February 1st, 2021 to July 31st, 2021. We found more nulliparous women and obese women in the induced group. The main indication for induction was past dates and the mean induction to delivery interval among the women being induced was 32 hours (SD: 22.58). There were significantly higher women who experienced PPH and Caesarean sections were 2.100 (1.577- 2.793) times higher among women who were induced.Conclusions: Induction protocols need to be developed taking into consideration the advantages as well as complications associated with it and then tailor it according to infrastructure and personnel available.

Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness among Pregnant Women in Rural Area of District Sonipat, Haryana, India: A Cross Sectional Community Based Study

Introduction: Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) is an important intervention included by WHO as essential elements of antenatal care package. It is often delivered to pregnant women through their active participation by health care provider during antenatal care or initiated/followed up through visits to the homes of pregnant women by community health workers. Objectives: To determine the knowledge and practice regarding BPCR and to identify factors associated with it among rural pregnant women. Method: Cross-sectional study was conducted in rural field practice area of Community Medicine Department of a medical teaching institutes. A total of 210 pregnant women who were in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy were selected by simple random sampling and interviewed for data collection. Results: Mean age of study subjects was 24.14 + 3.88 years.The highest number of women was in the age group of 20-29 years (84.8%). More than half (57.6%) mothers had observed at least two or more components of BPCR. Maximum number of females had identified facility for delivery (63.8%) followed by transportation (60.9%). Identification of potential blood donor by mothers was low (14.3%). Bleeding was most commonly identified danger symptom in all three phases of child bearing. Knowledge regarding danger signs was significantly associated with birth preparedness. Conclusion: In the present study, practice of all components of BPCR by mothers was very low. Bleeding was the most commonly identified danger symptom during all three phases i.e., pregnancy, child birth and after birth.Knowledge regarding other danger signs was highly inadequate.

Clinical Effectiveness and Tolerability of 2% Menthol in Musculoskeletal Pain : A Pilot Observational Real-world Evidence Study

Objective : To determine the efficacy and safety of 2% menthol in the management of musculoskeletal pain. Materials and Methods : 81 patients above the age of 18 years of either sex with any musculoskeletal pain were included in the study. Subjects were instructed to apply 2% menthol gel twice daily to the affected area for 7 to 10 days. A Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to assess the severity of the initial pain. Moreover, the level of muscle soreness on a 7-point Likert scale was also evaluated. The patients were assessed before the treatment and 7 to 10 days after the initiation of the treatment. Results : The VAS scores for pain significantly improved (P< 0.0001) in subjects after completion of the treatment. There was a 70% improvement (7.67 � 1.04 before treatment to 2.30 � 0.56 after treatment) in the VAS scores compared to baseline, and the mean Likert scale of muscle soreness was 2.04 � 0.25 at the end of the treatment. Moreover, no significant adverse events were observed in the patients during the study. Conclusion : The study showed that 2% menthol effectively improves musculoskeletal pain

Coenzyme Q10 in Male and Female Infertility

Infertility is a medical condition that can cause psychological, physical, mental, spiritual, and medical detriments to the patient. Infertility can also be a marker of an underlying chronic disease associated with infertility. It is currently affecting one out of six couples worldwide. The pathophysiology of male and female infertility is multifactorial and still not fully elucidated. Both are related to an imbalance between the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and antioxidant defences. Antioxidants are biological and chemical compounds that are synthesized endogenously or exogenously, counteract oxidative stress and act as free radical scavengers. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a lipidsoluble quinone acting as an effective antioxidant, which prevents lipid peroxidation and DNA oxidation. It empowers the body’s energy production cycle through Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) synthesis and has long been used to ameliorate infertility outcomes. Evidence suggests that CoQ10 shows beneficial effects on semen quality, quantity, and mobility in male infertility. Moreover, the potential benefits of oral antioxidants on female infertility treatment are being increasingly investigated, including CoQ10. CoQ10 treatment significantly increases fertilization rate, the number of high-quality embryos, and higher clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. Furthermore, CoQ10 administration enhances ovarian response to stimulation and improves oocyte and embryo quality. Hence, available evidence and clinical studies suggest that CoQ10 supplementation could be considered an inexpensive, safe therapy to enhance infertility treatment in men and women of reproductive age

Hypoperfusion Precedes Tau Deposition in the Entorhinal Cortex: A Retrospective Evaluation of ADNI-2 Data

Background@#and PurposeTau deposition in the entorhinal cortex is the earliest pathological feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, this feature has also been observed in cognitively normal (CN) individuals and those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The precise pathophysiology for the development of tau deposition remains unclear. We hypothesized that reduced cerebral perfusion is associated with the development of tau deposition. @*Methods@#A subset of the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative data set was utilized. Included patients had undergone arterial spin labeling perfusion MRI along with [18F]flortaucipir tau PET at baseline, within 1 year of the MRI, and a follow-up at 6 years. The association between baseline cerebral blood flow (CBF) and the baseline and 6-year tau PET was assessed. Univariate and multivariate linear modeling was performed, with p<0.05 indicating significance. @*Results@#Significant differences were found in the CBF between patients with AD and MCI, and CN individuals in the left entorhinal cortex (p=0.013), but not in the right entorhinal cortex (p=0.076). The difference in maximum standardized uptake value ratio between 6 years and baseline was significantly and inversely associated with the baseline mean CBF (p=0.042, R2=0.54) in the left entorhinal cortex but not the right entorhinal cortex. Linear modeling demonstrated that CBF predicted 6-year tau deposition (p=0.015, R2=0.11). @*Conclusions@#The results of this study suggest that a reduction in CBF at the entorhinal cortex precedes tau deposition. Further work is needed to understand the mechanism underlying tau deposition in aging and disease.

Reactive atrial‑based anti‑tachycardia pacing algorithm in cardiovascular implantable electronic devices is safe and feasible without increase in thromboembolic events in patients with a left atrial appendage closure device

Background@#Reactive atrial-based anti-tachycardia pacing (rATP) in CIED (cardiovascular implantable electronic devices) is effective in atrial fibrillation (AF) suppression. Uninterrupted systemic anticoagulation is recommended when this algorithm is activated to avoid stroke, however, the use of a rATP algorithm in patients with a left atrial appendage (LAA) closure device has not been studied. We assessed the safety and feasibility of rATP algorithm to sup‑ press AF in patients with a LAA closure device over an extended period. @*Methods@#Data from 55 consecutive patients who underwent a ­Watchman® implant at a tertiary care hospital between September 1, 2015, and January 30, 2020, who also had an in situ ­Medtronic® CIED (45 with and 10 with‑ out rATP capability) were retrospectively reviewed. @*Results@#The 55-patient cohort was 60% male, 77 ± 8 years old, ­CHA2DS2 -VASc score 5 (4–6), HAS-BLED score 3 (3–4), LVEF 53 ± 14%, LA size 4.4 ± 0.7 cm and ventricular pacing burden of 73 (1.4–98.3)%. The CIEDs (20 ICDs and 35 pace‑ makers) antedated ­Watchman® implants by 915 ± 725 days. Post-implant, all patients discontinued anticoagulation.Twenty patients in the rhythm-control group with active rATP algorithm displayed no increase in yearly AF burden and were less likely to develop permanent/long-standing persistent AF (p = 0.002) when compared to 35 patients in the rate-control group with CIEDs inactive/incapable of rATP over a ≤ 5-year follow-up. The longest AF episode in the rhythm-control group lasted 204 (19–2520) h. There was no increase in stroke/thromboembolism and a significant reduction in major bleeding noted over ≤ 5 years pre- versus post-implant in the whole cohort (p = 0.005). @*Conclusion@#rATP algorithm use is safe and feasible in patients with a ­Watchman® device. Patients should be fore‑ warned of a surge in post-Watchman® implant AF burden.

Maternal & perinatal outcome of fever in pregnancy in the context of dengue - A retrospective observational study

Background & objectives: Pregnant women with dengue infection may be at increased risk of adverse maternal-foetal outcomes. This study was conducted to assess the maternal and perinatal outcomes in women who presented with fever and diagnosed to have dengue infection during pregnancy. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on pregnant women admitted with fever, in a tertiary referral centre in South India, during January 2015 to December 2018. We compared outcomes of women diagnosed with dengue with that of women without dengue. The study outcomes included pre-term birth, stillbirth, low-birth weight (LBW), maternal mortality and thrombocytopenia. Results: During the study period, there were six maternal deaths following complications from dengue infection. Higher rates of thrombocytopenia (24.7% vs. 14.6%, P=0.02) were noted among those with recent dengue infection. The risk of still birth was 2.67 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09, 6.57], LBW [risk ratio (RR) 1.13, 95% CI 0.87, 1.45] and pre-term birth (RR 1.33, 95% CI 0.89, 1.97) among the cases. Interpretation & conclusions: Occurrence of adverse maternal and foetal outcomes was increased in pregnant women with fever diagnosed with dengue infection. Future studies are needed to formulate the optimum monitoring and treatment strategies in pregnant women, where dengue can have additive adverse effects to other obstetric complications.

A Pilot Observational Study of Topical Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Objective : To determine the efficacy and safety of topical glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of knee Osteoarthritis (OA). Materials and Methods : Thirty-three patients diagnosed with knee OA were included in the study. Subjects received topical application of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate on the affected knee two times a day for four weeks. Pain, joint stiffness, and physical functions were evaluated by the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). A Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the severity of the initial pain. The patients were assessed before the treatment and four weeks after the initiation of the treatment. Results : The WOMAC scores for pain, stiffness, and function, as well as the VAS score, were significantly improved (P<0.01) in subjects at week four compared to the baseline. There was a 44.02% improvement in the total WOMAC scores and a 51.11% improvement in the VAS scores with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate topical gel after four weeks. Conclusion : Topical glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are safe and effective in improving knee pain, stiffness, and physical function in knee OA.

Media Reporting of Suicide in the Bengaluru E-Edition of Three Major Indian Dailies: An Archival Study

India has the world’s largest newspaper market, with over 100 million copies sold daily. The media scapegoat, simplify, speculate, and sensationalize suicide?related news instead of signposting people to seek help. Suicide affects individuals, families, and communities and is worthy of responsible reporting. This study examined the quality of newspaper coverage of suicides from January to December 2017 in three popular English dailies in Bengaluru, South India. Three hundred and ninety?five online suicide reports were evaluated for compliance with the 2017 WHO recommendations for responsible suicide reporting by media professionals. The secondary data were obtained from digital newspaper archives and analyzed. Ahandful of the sampled articles met key recommendations. While reporting on suicide in the Indian media, three critical areas that require the most attention are reducing sensationalism, providing help-seeking information, and educating the public on suicide prevention without perpetuating myths.

Exploring Multi-dimensional Approach for Treating and Preventing Hair Loss with Nutraceuticals

Although hair disorders are not life-threatening, there is no denying that they significantly influence social interactions and patients� psychological well-being. A sufficient and well-balanced nutritional intake is responsible for normal skin and hair function integrity. Dietary imbalance can disturb this equilibrium, whether it takes the form of an overall deficiency, a more specific shortage, or an excess of one component over another. Human skin and hair can be affected by nutritional factors, resulting in excessive hair shedding and hair loss. It is essential to separate those nutritional factors that directly affect the hair cycle and promote hair growth. One of the most emerging areas in dermatology is the role of nutraceuticals in hair loss without any side effects. However, with increasing awareness among patients, there has been a tremendous demand for natural hair care and treatment products. An effective combination of bioactive ingredients derived from natural sources is essential in hair growth stimulation and provides a therapeutic benefit in hair conditioning. When it comes to hair health, dietary supplements and nutraceuticals can be part of a plan to address a visible problem that impacts self-esteem and confidence in men and women.

Pharmacological basis of Evening Primrose Oil in Premenstrual Syndrome — An evidenced based approach

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a recurrent luteal-phase condition associated with somatic emotional and behavioral symptoms. Frequently reported symptoms include breast discomfort, mood swings, fluid retention and food cravings. The exact etiology of PMS is unknown; however, the underlying mechanism is a complex interaction between fluctuations in ovarian steroids and central neurotransmitters as well as peripheral effects of hormones. Therefore, surprisingly a wide range of treatments are not available with satisfactory outcomes. Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) is one of the most popular for the management of PMS. EPO is a valuable fixed oil extracted from the Oenothera biennis seeds. It comprises essential fatty acids, including linoleic acid, Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), and Vitamin E, which have been used in various treatments. It has been clinically shown to improve psychological (mood and sleep disturbances) and physical symptoms (breast pain/tenderness, bloating, fatigue) in women suffering from PMS. The rationale put forward for investigating the use of EPO in PMS is thataffected women appear to have abnormal levels of essential fatty acids; hence administrating linoleic acid and GLA in the form of EPO could potentially alleviate the symptoms of PMS.

Real-World Experience of Hemoxin R Plus (Nikosan K Plus): Retrospective Analysis on 150 Patients

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is amongst the most common genetic hematological disorders. Hand-foot syndrome (swelling), pain and anemia are some of the very common complications of the disease. In Sickle cell anemia, the number of healthy RBCs decrease which results in reduction of oxygen in the tissues. Majority of the SCD patients are from low socio-economic strata and can barely afford costly treatment modalities. Retrospective analysis was done on 150 patients who consumed a proprietary Ayurvedic medicine, Hemoxin R Plus (Nikosan K Plus). Objectives: Sickle cell anemia impacts quality of life of patients which include pains including joint pain, abdominal pain, and total body pain. It also leads to breathlessness, weakness or fatigue and hence difficulties in doing daily chores. Our aim was to evaluate safety and efficacy of Hemoxin R Plus, an Ayurvedic medicine in improving quality of life in patients having SCA. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective analysis. Hospital records of the patients were used and reviewed for the analysis. The doctors who treated the patients collected the data from the medical records department. Wilcoxon signed rank test was applied for analysis. Parameters related to the quality of life were studied. The parameters considered were pain (whole body, abdominal, limbs/joints, back), fatigue, breathlessness, difficulty in doing daily activities and absenteeism (school/job). Results: For every parameter considered for analysis, the probability value (p value) was found to be <0.05, confirming the statistical significance in reduction of symptoms. Hemoxin R Plus was found to be safe in the dose administered, as there were no adverse events reported. Conclusion: Capsule Hemoxin R Plus can be used for of the management of sickle cell anemia in pain reduction and in improving the quality of life.

Clinical Efficacy of Pancreatin Minimicrospheres Supplementation in Patients with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) : Real-world Evidence

Background : Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), characterized by reduced secretion or activity of pancreatic enzymes, causes improper absorption of food, excessive fat excretion in the stool, and malnourishment. Methods : In this observational, real-world evidence study, patients with one or more of the following condition were enrolled: abdominal pain, acidity, diarrhea, nausea, or dyspepsia (as per ROME III criteria). Patients had either been diagnosed with gallstones, hypertriglyceridemia, alcohol consumption or undergone abdominal surgery. Patients were prescribed capsule EnzigestTM10000 (pancreatin minimicrospheres) for one month.The severity and frequency of various gastric symptoms was measured at day 0 and day 30. Results : 540 patients were enrolled with a mean age of 51.6 years. Enzigest significantly reduced the severity of functional dyspepsia by 88.67% (p<0.001) as per Rome III Criteria. There is significant improvement in frequency of symptoms (83.80%), abdominal pain severit(81.58%), epigastric pain (83.09%), nausea (84.35%) and vomiting by 89.62% (all P<0.001). The overall improvement in symptoms was significant (p<0.001). Enzigest was well tolerated.Conclusion : Enzigest improved abdominal pain, dyspepsia, and acidity in patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency due to alcohol consumption, gallstones, hypertriglyceridemia, diuretic (Furosemide or Thiazide) or abdominal surgery. Enzigest containing pancreatin minimicrospheres can be an easy therapeutic option to counteract EPI.

Long COVID : New Treatment Perspective Using Nutraceuticals

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an ongoing worldwide pandemic affecting a large population regardless of gender, age, and ethnicity. The persistence of the COVID-19 symptoms has become a significant health issue and is collectively called “Long COVID.” It can be described as the presence of symptoms of COVID even after the recovery from the viral infection. The prolonged symptoms in the patients could be due to various reasons and factors. Prolonged fatigue is a common symptom of Long COVID in patients even after they have recovered from the viral infection. Currently, only rehabilitation has shown promising results in managing the symptoms of Long COVID. Although pharmaceutical drugs have shown potential in treating the symptoms of Long COVID, more clinical evidence is required to confirm its treatment with less to no side effects; since it’s a new disease, the in-depth knowledge of the same is still evolving. Another healthier approach to treating the symptoms of Long COVID could be dietary supplements or “Nutraceuticals,” identified as an alternative to pharmaceuticals, including nutritional supplements, derived nutrients, and dietary and herbal products that display physiological advantages. Nutritional strategies can also play a role in treating hospitalized patients as maintaining the immune system is critical to combat viral infection.Nutraceuticals may be a practical and healthier approach to managing the symptoms of Long COVID or COVID-19. Although ample clinical evidence is present for the treatment of symptoms of COVID-19, further studies in treating Long COVID or its symptoms are required

Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination in India after the First Phase-Out: A Cross-Sectional Community-Based Study

Background?India rolled out the world's largest vaccination program on January 16, 2021, marking the beginning of an effort to vaccinate a population of 1.3 billion against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. However, the hesitancy toward safe and effective vaccine against severe infection is a major global health threat. Hence, public acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine would be an essential deterrent to the pandemic control. Materials and Methods?A cross-sectional online study was conducted among the Indians from January 1 to January 31, 2021. The online questionnaire addressed several variables, including the sociodemographic parameters, COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, and concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccine. Results?Out of total 450 participants, majority of them (97.1) were aware about the COVID-19 vaccination drive. Only 66.2% showed their willingness to accept vaccination, 26.0% were still indecisive, and 7.8% did not want to accept it. Conclusion?Despite numerous efforts by various scientific organizations, public health experts, and media outlets, to educate the general population about the COVID-19 vaccine, significant portion of the Indian population may experience vaccine hesitancy, which poses dangers to both the individual and their community. Therefore, we must target these potential candidates, who are indecisive, for intervention to increase vaccine acceptance across the country. In this regard, large-scale study is required to understand the knowledge, expectation, and apprehension covering various economic and occupational strata of the society.

META-ANALYSIS OF USAGE OF MACHINE LEARNING TO IDENTIFY AND ASSESS POVERTY

Poverty is defined as a person’s state of survival without the adequate financial resources for a minimum standard of living. Poverty is assesed through multidimensional factors like access to clean drinking water, access to electricity, access to quality education, child mortality rates, nutrition, and so on. On 1st January 2016, the United Nations Economic and Social Affairs department published a list of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and “No Poverty” was the first goal on the list and the purpose was to eradicate all forms of poverty from all corners of the globe by the year 2030. The first step in the goal is to identify poverty in all its forms and not just the income level. The initiative of identifying poverty is a humongous task in itself and various researchers, academicians, statisticians and computer scientists had proposed several methods of identifying poverty in all it’s forms. This paper unifies and consolidates several machine learning techniques proposed previously to theoretically formulate a new, robust methodology to identify, validate and assess poverty which would be the first step towards sustaibale development.

Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Flavonoid Hesperidin and Pharmacological Evaluation of its Free Radical Scavenging Activity

Background: Silver Nanoparticles are drawing significant attention from the scientific community to explore a wide range of its medical applications. Human body is under constant stress due to free radicals generated by the physiological and pathological conditions in the body. Scavenging systems or Antioxidants can help alleviate the damages caused by these radicals which can influence the course of progress in several chronic diseases with an inflammatory background. External antioxidants supplement and facilitate the overwhelmed scavenging systems in the body.Silver Nanoparticles can enhance the therapeutic effects of phytochemicals. Aim: To Synthesize silver nanoparticles using the phytochemical Hesperidin and studying its Free radical scavenging activity. Methods: Silver Nanoparticles are synthesized using chemical reduction method. The synthesis is confirmed using spectrophotometric studies. Free Radical scavenging activity is detected using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH �) free radical scavenging assay. Results: Silver nanoparticles were successfully synthesized which was confirmed by the change in color of the solution and peak absorbance peak at 420 nM on spectrophotometric studies.Hesperidin Silver Nanoparticles exhibited higher free radical scavenging activity when compared with pure hesperidin and standard Ascorbic acid. Conclusion: Hesperidin can ideally be used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles and the synthesized Silver Nanoparticles enhances the free radical scavenging activity of Hesperidin which can further be evaluated by In Vivo studies.